Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Minus a star because this songs aren’t interesting enough to listen to four of them twice on the same 45 minute album.
ONG
Started weak; got a bit better. Blues isn't my thing though. 3/5
Very bluesy, a bit too much for me
The sound is incredible and it’s clearly a very important piece of music history. In terms of actual listening it was a good set of songs with a good backing band, but there are better blues albums out there 3.5/5
Over 60 years old and still some bangers
Outstanding
Muddy Waters is great but I'm not a fan of live albums being on this list, especially when it's mostly songs I've already heard from him.
Where it started...
blues, man
Cool
There’s just something special about like blues music Faves: I Got My Brand on You, I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Good. If this was on the radio then I wouldn’t change the station. I have to confess, my favorite album of his is Electric Mud, a bonkers fun album that is riding the coattails of psychedelic rock. It’s kind of like if Bob Dylan released a techno album. … Unrelated question: how much money would it take for Bob Dylan to release a techno album? Answer: you contribution to this Kickstarter will help determine what that amount is.
Sometimes I can’t decide if I like the blues but it turns out I’ve heard a lot of bad versions of the blues. This is the good stuff, the genuine article.
Another good one, another one I have on vinyl. I’ve already stated my love for Muddy in my last album review for him.
Enjoyed this album. Original blues music
Groovy. Harp, piano, drums just right. Growly and swingy as necessary, the voice holding it all together.
I did love these blues and the harmonica although they did all meld into one song by the end.
This form of blues is always a little lost on me, and while I recognize this is first-generation bad-ass groundbreaking music from 1960, musically it's only going to take me so far. I admire and appreciate it more than I enjoy it. I was struck by three things. First, damn but Muddy Waters is polite. He's a gentleman, reserved even, and then launches into singing about his mojo and being a hoochie coochie man. It's fantastic. Second, I was surprised at the difference between his singing and speaking voice. That gruff power when he sings was not there when he addressed the crowd. Third, no one says the word "work" like Muddy Waters. I was trying to emulate him, singing in my kitchen... it just don't woryk on you. I'm 95% sure I wasn't going to fool anyone. So, I listened closely and admire everything about this. But I'm still going with a less-than-deserved 3-star because I just don't have the blues.
I loved how understated and soulful this was. a classic performance that heats up as it goes along. i especially loved that fuzzy harmonica that underscored every song. overall, i'm not a huge blues fan, but these guys from that post-WWII era (Muddy, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, etc.) really do it for me.
Glad to listen to this one, I needed to recalibrate my mojo.
This album came on the heels of a lot of instrumental jazz, with more to come, which I enjoy best in smaller doses. This was a welcome change. The vocals are casual, and thoroughly enjoyable. Normally I'm not a fan of albums packed multiple different versions of the same songs but this album was an exception. It's confirmed my appreciation of Mr. Waters.
Muddy Waters is the biggest name in Blues. A gifted, singer, songwriter, guitar player, and band leader, Muddy's is the most recognizable, influential voice in the blues. His early recorded work, in the 40s and 50s, were singles. He started releasing albums in 1960, the same year he recorded and released At Newport. This is one of the first live blues albums, and influenced generations of blues and rock performers. Muddy has a rich, rough voice that became the sound of American blues. His band, with slide guitar, harmonica solos, and bass-driven rhythms was filled with practiced, exciting performers. Muddy and his band put on fantastic performances, and this album captured one of them.
Good blues album - not my usual stuff, but enjoyed it nevertheless.
Newport, Rhode Island, juillet 1960. J'imagine la scène, ça sent le pique-nique propret, les fauteuils pliants, les polos bien repassés et les applaudissements polis entre deux solos de saxophone un peu trop longs. Le Newport Jazz Festival, c'était le rendez-vous d'une certaine intelligentsia blanche, venue s'encanailler avec bon goût sur les rythmes syncopés d'artistes noirs, certes, mais des artistes "respectables". Le jazz, quoi, un truc cérébral, qui se déguste le menton dans la main. Et puis, déboule ce type, McKinley Morganfield, alias Muddy Waters. Avec sa gueule de boxeur et sa guitare électrique qui sonne comme un avertissement. Il n'est pas là pour faire dans la dentelle, il n'est pas là pour qu'on analyse ses grilles d'accords, il est là pour foutre le feu. Et merde, quel incendie. Muddy Waters, pour un mec de ma génération, né en 1970, c'est une figure quasi mythologique. C'est le nom qu'on voyait dans les interviews des Rolling Stones, de Led Zeppelin, de Hendrix. Le patriarche, le "père du Chicago Blues". On savait qu'il était important, fondamental, mais on l'écoutait peut-être plus par devoir que par plaisir viscéral au début. C'était la musique des parents de nos idoles, le code source, le Vieux Testament. Et écouter cet album aujourd'hui, c'est un peu comme lire la Genèse après avoir passé sa vie à dévorer des romans qui en sont inspirés. Tu comprends enfin d'où vient toute la putain de lignée. Et bordel, mais quel son ! On est en 1960, et ça sonne plus brutal, plus sauvage, plus VRAI que 90% des productions rock actuelles. Il n'y a pas de fioritures. La section rythmique, c'est une locomotive lancée à pleine vitesse qui ne déraillera jamais. C'est simple, carré, et ça te rentre dans le bide sans demander la permission. La guitare de Muddy, et celle de Pat Hare, c'est du fil barbelé électrifié. Ça grésille, ça crache, ça saigne. La slide est là, bien sûr, gémissant comme une âme damnée. Et puis il y a la voix de Muddy, une voix qui ne cherche pas à être belle. Elle est puissante, chargée de toute la poussière du Mississippi et de toute la suie des usines de Chicago. Elle raconte des histoires, elle prévient, elle ordonne. Ce qui rend ce disque si monumental, c'est le contexte. Ce n'est pas juste un concert de blues, c'est un acte de guerre culturel. C'est l'irruption du blues le plus terrien, le plus sexuel, le plus électrique, au milieu d'un festival de jazz qui se voulait distingué. On entend la foule, au début, peut-être un peu perplexe, puis, titre après titre, complètement possédée. Sur "Got My Mojo Working", ça n'applaudit plus, ça hurle, ça exulte, ces blancs-becs en chemisettes à manches courtes sont en train de prendre une leçon magistrale de ce qu'est la musique du diable, la musique du corps. Cet album n'est pas juste un grand disque de blues, c'est l'un des actes de naissance du rock'n'roll tel qu'on l'a aimé, celui qui a les couilles sur la table. Sans ce concert, sans cette énergie brute captée sur bande, est-ce que les Stones auraient eu la même arrogance ? Est-ce que Jimmy Page aurait fait sonner sa Les Paul de la même manière ? Est-ce que le hard rock aurait même existé ? Probablement, mais différemment. Le hard rock n'est pas né dans un garage à Birmingham ; ses premières respirations, sa première inspiration, c'est le son de Muddy Waters branchant sa Telecaster et poussant l'ampli dans le rouge devant une foule médusée. Alors, pourquoi 4/5 et pas le panthéon du 5/5, la note parfaite ? C'est une excellente question et elle mérite une réponse honnête. Ce disque est un document historique parfait, c'est une performance cinq étoiles, sans l'ombre d'un doute. L'énergie est palpable, l'importance est indéniable. Mais dans le cadre de ce projet "1001 albums", je note aussi le ressenti personnel, l'impact intime. Et pour moi, si ce disque est une fondation essentielle, il lui manque peut-être cette noirceur abyssale et dépressive. C'est une musique de célébration, même dans la plainte, c'est une catharsis tournée vers la vie, vers la danse, vers la baise. Mes propres démons me portent parfois vers des territoires plus... morbides. Le 4/5 n'est donc pas une critique, c'est une marque de respect immense pour un maître. C'est la reconnaissance que sans cette fessée monumentale de 1960, une bonne moitié de ma discothèque n'existerait tout simplement pas. C'est brut, c'est puissant, ça ne triche pas. Pas de Pro Tools pour sauver le cul d'un batteur à la ramasse, pas d'Auto-Tune pour polir une voix. Juste des hommes, leurs instruments, et une envie furieuse de prouver que leur musique est la plus puissante du monde. Mission accomplie, Mr. Morganfield. Reposez en paix, vous avez engendré une sacrée tripotée de monstres.
Loved this. Excellent recording and the band are as tight as a chicken's lips.
Never considered myself a jazz/blues fan but I enjoyed every minute of this. Gonna go against my usual studio is better than live and say that the live is definitely better than the studio tracks. Gonna consider getting this in a vinyl format next time I see it. Also album cover’s colour contrast is noiicee
A great experience all around. I didn't come into this expecting to like it but I happily listened to it multiple times over.
Yep that was a blues album from a man in Newport in 1960. I have nothing else to say.
Muddy mentions my birthday!!! "On the 12th day of April" Thanks Muddy Muddy, baby, everything alright in there? I think I'm about to pass a kidney stone DUNDUNDUN DUNDUN AHHHHHHHHHH DUNDUNDUN DUNDUN OHHJHHHHHHHH
Show me your hoochie coochie, man! With a lot of live albums from this era there’s an obvious cut between tracks even though it’s literally one continuous recording, but this one was smoooooooth.
fun and groovy sound with Muddy's raspy vocals and fantastic guitar work. Great live album.
No more blues please
good live set
Got my mojo working pt 2 got MY mojo working! Hot damn! Listening to this at my office job and I want to hop up and clap my hands and dance! Classic blues album. Muddy waters is the man. And ima put a tiger on yo tank.
Gewoon lekke
Fedt, groovy, bare smoooth. Teksterne er faktisk dejligt meget ikke rapey, hvilket godt kan ske med blues. Men ligesom meget andet er det måske lidt ensformigt i længden. For et livealbum for 1960 er lydkvaliteten fandeme i orden.
The blues of this era was always simplistic, but that doesn't mean bad. I enjoyed it, especially Baby Please Don't Go, which has had so many covers. Was this the original version? I honestly don't know but it was certainly an excellent one. He's got a great voice for the blues, and yes I probably would buy an album by Muddy, but not necessarily this one. But a good solid 3 from me.
I usually find this type of album too generic, but this one is superbly done. I now understand why he is credited as being so influential.
This was better than I expected it to be. But the sings did sound very similar instumentally to my untrained blues ear. 2 stars
Blues - gut abgehangen
It was a great blues album. I'm not someone to listen to this regularly, but I can appreciate why this is on this list.
Great Album, but not the Music I would listen to regularly.
One of the core blues albums of all time.
Any individual track I enjoyed a fair amount, but by the end they mostly just sounded the same. Which I suppose is more an issue with the genre than anything else, but all the same it limited my enjoyment.
now this is some mf blues... i still have the same gripe as a lot of the albums from this time period which is that a lot of the songs just sound so damn similar and it's hard to differentiate. however, real easy, delicious listening -- i found myself preferring the studio tracks that were tacked onto the end the most.
As a blues guy I have to respect him. What may seem cliche now is because he made it a staple of the genre. Alas, it is impossible for me to remain unbiased. I supposed what is true of popular music now was true of popular music then; 'it's just the same four chords.'
Enjoyed that.
Ok
Instantly made me want to dance, I haven't danced blues in so long. So many moments that felt familiar when I know I've never listened to these songs before - makes sense to read that this album was inspiration for lots of contempories. If you cut out the very beginning and end, you could have convinced me that the first part of the album was recorded in a studio, the sound is so clear. That is until the music starts to get more upbeat and the squealing, cheering, and clapping fans can be heard. The studio recorded tracks at the end of the album make that extra energy in the live recorded tracks more apparent.
While I do have an affinity for Muddy Waters, it's primarily during his later, more electrified recordings. But mainly, you can hear the wind as a low rumbling in the recording, which really distracts from the music.
A fine blues album. Not the biggest fan of live albums as they can have recording issues like this one did. In spite of this the vocals were top notch, though the band was just ok.
3.5
I prefer the more electrifying, rockin’ blues tunes over the slower ones. I’m not a blues guy so I might get less out of it but it’s a pleasant one overall. I don’t need the harmonica though. 3.5 stars.
4.5
Fantastic live album! (9.2) ★★★★½
So much feeling and passion. Really cool! 4.5 stars
4 stars
3.5
I guess that’s why they call it the blues... because is this pretty good blues. Good band. Good live recording. Good to check out but nothing I love too much. I Got My Mojo Working parts 1 and 2 is probably best segment. 3.5 stars.
A classic and staple!
lots of respect for this record, however it is just not my thing. But muddy waters rocked and was so influential
Well written and compelling since it is live which is exciting. But altogether a little boring.
Obviously super vital in rock history, but doubt I’d listen to it again.
i love the live recording presentation for a 60s record, so crisp and open and dynamic.
Muddy is indeed your Hoochie Coochie Man, ladies.
He truly was at Newport, can't deny that.
good album, was a great musical background but nothing was AMAZING
Enjoyed this album
1st time listening 6/10
Great blues!
Timeless and legendary. Muddy Waters is the man
Not my cup of tea. Blues tends to sound the same to me.
Love Muddy. This was my first listen mind. Stunning performances from start to end. Got My Mojo Working is a stand out.
i understand this was very influential but early blues is boring... 2.5 rounded up for respect
love
I think I wasn't in the mood, but this was still obviously good music
### 1. **Blues Form and Structure** - **12-Bar Blues Foundation**: The majority of the songs on this album utilize the 12-bar blues form, which is a cornerstone of the blues genre. The predictable I-IV-V chord progression gives the music its traditional feel, allowing both the band and Muddy Waters to comfortably explore vocal improvisation and soloing. - **Production and Writing Insight**: As a writer, understanding the 12-bar blues structure helps in crafting lyrics and melodies that fit naturally within the form, using lyrical repetition and variation to build a story. For a producer, leaning into the repetitive form while still creating dynamics is key—adding slight instrumental shifts or emphasis in different places to keep the listener engaged across multiple tracks using the same structure. ### 2. **Call and Response** - **Vocal and Instrumental Interaction**: A significant element of the blues, and especially evident in "At Newport 1960," is the call-and-response structure between Muddy Waters' vocals and the band. This interaction provides a sense of conversation within the music, a dialogue between Muddy's vocal lines and instruments like harmonica or guitar. - **Production Perspective**: Capturing this live requires a careful balance of levels. The interplay should sound natural and dynamic, and the response sections (often guitar or harmonica) need to be mixed so that they answer the vocal but do not overshadow it. The call-and-response approach also provides cues for dynamic mixing moves, such as bringing up a solo or harmonica just as the vocal ends to make the response feel alive and spontaneous. ### 3. **Pentatonic and Blues Scales** - **Soloing and Melodic Content**: The lead guitar and harmonica solos predominantly use the **minor pentatonic** and **blues scales**, adding the characteristic flat 5th (the "blue note") to create tension. This tension-release feel gives the solos their emotional weight, a hallmark of Muddy Waters' music. - **Writing and Performance Insight**: For a songwriter, the use of the minor pentatonic and blues scales provides a template for emotional expression. The repeated phrases and bends, which emphasize the "blue notes," create a feeling of longing or raw emotion that is essential to blues storytelling. For a producer, focusing on the tonal quality of these notes is crucial, as the attack and decay of bends, especially in the flat 5th, define the emotional color of the blues. ### 4. **Rhythmic Grooves and Syncopation** - **Shuffles and Swing Feel**: The album features classic blues shuffle rhythms that are driven by the rhythm section, primarily the drums and bass. The shuffle rhythm gives the music a distinctive swing, characterized by a **triplet feel** where each beat is divided into three parts, with emphasis on the backbeat. - **Engineering Focus**: To make the swing feel impactful in a live recording, it’s essential to capture the rhythmic subtleties of the shuffle. This includes paying attention to the relationship between the kick drum, snare, and upright bass. Mic'ing needs to be done to highlight both the percussive attack of the drums and the natural sustain of the bass to let the groove drive the music forward without getting muddy. - **Production Approach**: Accentuating syncopation during key moments helps maintain the energy and keeps the swing alive. When a track like "Hoochie Coochie Man" comes in with that tight shuffle, subtle volume automation on the snare or cymbals during fills can elevate the energy of those syncopated moments, emphasizing the interplay between the instruments. ### 5. **Live Energy and Dynamics** - **Dynamics and Crowd Interaction**: The live element of the Newport concert is what makes it so iconic. Muddy Waters’ use of dynamics—ranging from quieter, conversational verses to explosive, loud choruses—is captured beautifully in this recording. The audience's response also plays a huge role in building the energy of the performance. - **Production Insight**: Capturing a live audience’s reaction and integrating it with the performance is a key production consideration. During more intense guitar solos or vocal shouts, the mic'ing should pick up audience reactions, but not drown out the music itself. Strategic use of reverb can also help place the listener in the environment, blending the instruments and crowd to give a sense of immersion. - **Arrangement and Writing**: Understanding how dynamics are used in the live context offers valuable lessons for songwriters about pacing. Muddy Waters varies the intensity of his performance, allowing songs to breathe and giving space for emotional highs and lows, which keeps the audience engaged throughout. ### 6. **Use of Riffs** - **Signature Guitar Riffs**: Many tracks feature a repeating riff that forms the backbone of the song, such as in "Got My Mojo Working." These riffs are both rhythmic and melodic, often functioning like a second vocalist, providing a hook that listeners can latch onto. - **Writing Insight**: The power of a strong, memorable riff is clear here. Writing a riff that repeats but also evolves slightly each time can help in maintaining a listener's interest throughout a repetitive blues progression. It’s also a critical tool for setting the song’s tone—aggressive, playful, or haunting. - **Production Application**: Making sure that the guitar riffs cut through the mix involves thoughtful EQ. Typically, a boost in the mid-range and careful reduction of frequencies that clash with the vocals ensures that the riff remains a distinct feature, while the addition of subtle compression can keep the dynamics consistent, especially in a live setting where guitarists might adjust their playing levels. ### 7. **Instrumentation and Band Chemistry** - **Band Arrangement**: Muddy Waters was accompanied by harmonica (Little Walter), piano, bass, drums, and a rhythm guitar, which created a thick, layered texture typical of Chicago blues. Each instrument occupies a distinct frequency range, preventing clashes and maintaining a full sound. - **Production Techniques**: The placement of the piano on the left, guitar on the right, and harmonica and vocals in the center helps create a stereo image that feels like you're right in front of the band on stage. Panning decisions are key to ensuring each instrument has its space while giving the recording a lively, dynamic feeling. ### 8. **Emotional Content and Storytelling** - **Lyrical Themes and Vocal Delivery**: Blues is inherently about storytelling, and Muddy Waters' vocal style is deeply expressive, emphasizing certain words with grit and force while allowing others to be laid-back. The lyrics are simple but impactful, often dealing with themes of love, hardship, and resilience. - **Writing and Performance**: Understanding how Muddy delivers these lyrics—sometimes almost speaking, other times belting with raw power—can inform a writer about using vocal dynamics to convey different emotional depths. Repetition in the lyrics (like "I'm gonna get my mojo working...") is both hypnotic and a key feature of blues storytelling, which also aligns with the repetitive musical structure. ### 9. **Live Recording Challenges** - **Balancing Instruments in a Live Setting**: The challenges of capturing a live performance in 1960, without the advanced technology of today's live rigs, meant relying heavily on mic placement, bleed, and natural room acoustics. Each musician had to balance their dynamics well so they would be heard correctly in the mix. - **Engineering Insights**: For an engineer today, this is a reminder of the importance of working with musicians to achieve a natural balance on stage before considering microphone and outboard processing. The rawness of the "At Newport" recording reflects careful consideration of mic'ing distance, ensuring that the room's reverb contributes to the sense of space without overwhelming the performance. ### Conclusion Muddy Waters' "At Newport 1960" is a masterclass in live blues performance, combining the fundamentals of blues theory—12-bar structure, call-and-response, pentatonic scales, and rhythmic grooves—with the intricacies of live recording and production techniques. The album’s raw energy, dynamic band chemistry, and ability to use limited harmonic material to create powerful, emotionally charged music provide invaluable lessons for producers, engineers, and writers alike.
As a lifelong guitarist, I've been conditioned to believe I'm supposed to like Muddy Waters (and other guitarists of his day, but especially Blues guitarists) and I understand and appreciate that he was a key influence on the artists that were themselves key influences on the artists that I hold dear. But man, it's a slog. I'm a big fan of Boom Boom which is *not* on this album. Definitely some cool guitar playing but also a lot of... guitar playing. I will give points because I know he scared the shit out of well-to-do white parents of the day and I'll always have a soft spot for anyone that scares the shit out of well-to-do white parents, especially with naught but a simple guitar and the temerity to exist.
I’m glad this album came across my plate. This is my second time listening to Muddy Waters, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve heard so far. This live album has a raw, authentic, and soulful vibe throughout. The piano provides a great rhythmic and melodic foundation, but it’s the harmonica that really stands out, adding a lot of raw energy to the performance. Muddy Waters’ vocals are commanding and filled with grit, while still bringing out a deep, soulful emotion that really drives the music.
Admittedly, I wasn’t giving this album my full attention as I should’ve; I was listening while on a short road trip and may have dozed off once or twice. It was pretty good, though a bit homogenous. I might’ve preferred a studio album to a live one. Even though I’m giving this a 3, I liked it better than yesterday’s Elvis album.
It's Muddy Waters, what's not to like
Very nice live album!
Cool album, Standount track- I Got My Brand On You
Feels a bit harsh giving it 3* but can't quite justify 4. 72/100
3 star album, but live.
Musically, this is a masterpiece of blues. Waters is a legend in that regard. The lyrics are, as is often the case for music from several decades ago, in some tracks strange or even cringy.
I've never really considered myself a Blues fan, but you can't help getting swept along with this album. Great!
Good blues done well.
Hmm, I expected big things, but I didn't think it was that great. Kinda one dimensional? I didn't know. Little disappointing. I'm gonna give it....a two. I wouldn't listen to this again in purpose. Que underwhelming.
The more I listen to Muddy, the more I can understand how good and soulful he truly is. This album from 1960, talked about a full generation after The Great Depression, and I feel like that’s the roots of Blues. People struggling, singing about their problems and trying to connect with others.
171/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Makes me feel like I’m back at the ranch with my fellow gunslingers
Bluesy rocking blues
hoochie coochie man made a mid ass album
4/10 - it was not great. Like it was fine but not the most enjoyable thing to listen to. Some of the lyrics were strange. Tiger in the tank was the epitome of this.
This was alright
Enjoyed, doubt I would listen to again. But was interesting to hear the influence of the rock genre that followed
For an album that inspired so many English guitarists, it is surprising that there is little guitar or it is mixed way down in the recording. I have never been a big fan of the simple I-IV-V blues and this album does not venture far from that blues format. Just a meh for me...
Classic blues.
Don’t typically like blues as a genre. Although it does remind me of really hot summers on the waterfront at the blues festival. Don’t necessarily enjoy the music in my day to day but can appreciate the feeling it gives me. Very summery.
I own this. It's excellent. Fantastic version of Baby, Plesse Don't Go.
A fantastic and chill live blues album fromm one of the great Delta blues players. Great for putting on in the evening and having a drink.
Solid blues
Man, this album is pure fire! Muddy Waters and his band absolutely tear it up at Newport. The energy is electric, the guitar riffs are scorching, and Muddy's vocals are raw and powerful. From the blues classics like "Hoochie Coochie Man" to the newer hits like "Got My Mojo Working," every track is a masterpiece. It's like being transported back in time to witness a legendary performance. This is a must-listen for any blues fan, or really anyone who appreciates good music.
Rock solid blues album. One of the best to ever do it. Only added one track to the 1001 Experience Playlist to remind myself to go back AND listen, the kind of lp to listen to the performance all the way through
This is weird. Two nights ago I dreamt that heard Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker playing in concert. Not together on stage, but at the same place. Details are a little fuzzy (muddy maybe?) and I can't remember where this was, but the guitar was amazing (and probably not either of them). Anyway, Muddy was one of the best at this game. Many others have done similar but he has panache that the others somehow can't replicate 4/5
Mad respect for this musician.
I get it, The Blues is an essentially American musical genre. Muddy Waters is the Moses of American blues. I spent years of my life in school playing 12-bar blues chord progressions and I get it. Yay blues, not my jam.
The definition of OG blues. Insane album. Not one bad song, flows like wine in the village of santo poco. When I think of blues thisbis what comes to mind.
I'm very glad that this exists. It didn't connect with me personally, but I can recognize how influential it is.
STANDOUTS: not really, but it was fine OVERALL: 2/5
Some awesome blues, what can go wrong! Absolutely nothing with this record that’s for sure! Awesome!
It’s nice to have some good ol fashioned, mainline, no frills blues sometimes. Just such pure music that’s endlessly enjoyable to listen to. Also funny because I thought he was saying put a tiger in my taint for the first minute or so.
Solid blues
3.75
Not the biggest blues aficionado so half the tracks didn’t really do it for me, but g-damn do some of these jams go! “Tiger in Your Tank” won me over especially. I was like that crowd going wild by the end of it. It’s truly offensive how many mega-rich British rockstars are in total debt to Muddy and your boomer dad will never have a clue :/
If this had been recorded in a barn, it would've burned right on down. Album cover: B. That is a photo of Muddy Waters, and they use to words to tell you that it is indeed him. Very informative.
Not generally my style but I greatly enjoyed it. Tiger in the Trunk or whatever it was called was really speaking to me.
I knew right away I'd love this album. The live albums are the best part of this experience so far, and this one absolutely did not miss. I love this era of blues. I'd never listened to Muddy Waters before but I certainly will in the future. I loved the whole album and added it to my saved albums. 9/10
Un blues en finesse et en retenue
At Newport 1960 is a live album by Muddy Waters recorded during his performance at the Newport Jazz Festival on July 3, 1960. If you want an album that would set the tone of the 1960s, this is it. This is the one that would influence artists like the Stones, Hendrix, Zeppelin, and way way more. This is REAL blues, not that heroin-fueled wanker shit (ahem, Clapton). Blues had been going on a long time up until this point, but this record and performance is credited with bringing the genre, specifically Chicago Blues, to a broader white audience. You gotta remember the US was still at the height of the Jim Crow era at this time, so white boys weren't listening to this. In the wake of this album you all of a sudden had a bunch of brits trying to sound like it, and becoming MORE popular! What type of shite is that? Muddy is truly your favorite musician's favorite musician.
It’s definitely the blues. Pretty dated, but a sharp and well-executed set from one of the kings of the genre. Best song: Got My Mojo Working
I love the blues, love the harmonica and this is MUDDY WATERS! I want it to be five stars but something is holding me back. Which I think is my underlying hesitation- he sounds a bit restrained? There are 5 star moments, but this is 4.5 stars for me. I know there is a better Muddy Waters album out there and am now going to try to find it.
Love it, just so chill
Indeed. 5
fav tracks: Hoochie Coochie Man, Soon Forgotten, Goodbye Newport Blues Thoughts: My first time listening to Muddy Waters, and an introduction to music under the umbrella of American Blues. The performances are close to flawless, if not perfect. I really like the piano playing; some of the melodic runs played on the piano sound like something Hendrix would play on the guitar. I guess little stuff like that highlight the influence that early to mid 19th century blues has on rock. Would like to hear more from Muddy Waters and other contemporaries. Very Nice.
Too old school for me. No disrespect. I just don't like the blues.
Sometimes, the old school sounds excellent instead of sound outdated.
Chilled jazz
need a bit of a break from live blues albums lol, not bad just not my taste.
Albumi #13, 09.08.2024 Muddy Waters ei ollut entuudestaan kovinkaan tuttu johtuen varmaankin siitä, että blues ei ole lempigenrejäni. Blues-livealbumi, joka on nauhoitettu Newportin jazz-festivaaleilla Rhode Islandissa 3.7.1960. Takuuvarmaa bluesmeininkiä kelvollisena tallenteena.
I really enjoyed this album. I got a brand on you is one hell of a tune! its a good album and will be listened to again Favourite song:I got a brand on you Least favourite: All good Album artwork: Cool cover
Nice. This is indeed a source of inspiration for so much RnB and rock music that came later
It’s great to hear this concert and experience how real blues sounds like.
There goes ol' man Waters, singing about his libido again. Although he was still only 47 at the time, so it wasn't really the flex it would become later on in his career. 3 blue pills out of 5
Enjoyable - and not what I would call a live album in terms of audio quality and crowd noise
It sounds really nice, never been that much of a muddy waters guy though. He doesn’t have the ferocity that John Lee Hooker and Big Mama Thornton have. His playing is immensly great though.
I'm not sure I'll ever really get into the blues, this was well played and sounded good but even after only half an hour I was bored of it.
It's not something I would go out of my way to listen to on my own, but I can appreciate that there was a lot of vocal and piano talent, especially considering that most of the album was live. It was cool jazzy vibes, very old style.
after years of hacking and hurling at white boys play blues licks on their electric guitars, i sure did find myself Not Struggling At All with actual blues recordings when i finally got around to them! obviously theres a host of differences and breaks in evolutionary timeline but placing things strictly within the realm of my personal aesthetic tastes...besides a love of jazz which is probably my most obvious backdoor in, i think the basic foundation for it feeling at least a little Like Home is , tbh, musical theatre FHJSFHJFS both styles of music about expressiveness and performance on top of familiar material built for infinite iteration. i dont wanna go too far for that comparison lol but listening to a great theatre performer and listening to a great blues performer scratch similar itches for me...waters ofc inevitably kinda rocks my world here. not just a ton of color, its a ton of Shades of color, so when things are similar on the surface theres reason to pull in and pick out the variations. his band is also ofc wonderful here especially the drumming which feels very jazz influenced at this point (my understanding is that there was a sorta Volleying of influence between the two). just super wonderful and magical tbh!! kinda Why You Listen To Music
Good. I liked this one. The last few, non live tracks feel a bit tacked on, but overall, lovely stuff
60’s
Spitze!
Major respect for a blues singer from 1960 named Muddy Waters, but I didn't really care for the album. Would've done it for me in 1960 though.
The album Americans weren't listening to when the Brits stole "their music". It's OK though because now Americans show their authentic love of the blues by listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe (are you taking the piss?) Bonamassa. Snide aside this is a great album and totally pivotal in modern music, the band sound very relaxed and together, and Muddy's voice is incredible, just the perfect link for American folk, real old school delta blues, the more electric Chicago scene and the emergence of Rock and Roll. It also sounds great for a 1960 live recording and the respectful crowd get more an more into it as the songs roll along. Wonderful. Actually one of the albums you should hear before you die because hundreds of the others on this list owe it a debt.
I feel differently about blues music now compared to when I first started this endeavour. It’s still not my favourite but discovering good blues like Muddy Waters has been a revelation for me.
Weird what was considered indispensable only 19 years ago. I hadn't even heard of this.
I don't mind live recordings in this list (it's almost necessary), and this one is a raw, unpolished charming addition. Imagine being transported to a smoky, intimate venue. It has the gritty, heartfelt vibe similar to early Howlin' Wolf recordings. It's a great snapshot of a moment in music history. Docking stars for repeat songs.
Je suis sûr qu’avoir vu ça en live, j’aurais donné un 4, mais là la hype est rendu vieille et mal enregistrée
Very good album
I had been meaning to listen to Muddy Waters for awhile, I'm glad this got recommended it was great.
Was honestly expecting to like this album more than I did. I though it was decent, but the album was far too short to really digest. This was also exacerbated by every song sounding nearly identical on a first listen, which unfortunately made everything very forgettable. Will definitely revisit, but not a compelling first listen. Top tracks: Got My Mojo Working (pts1/2), Goodbye Newport Blues
I just love This album. The feeling in these Songs. The guitar playing is fantastic.
This seems to be old hat, but as the “first” live blues album, it’s showing just what the blues were all about. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think of a generation of rock artists who were influenced by Muddy Waters, from the Beatles to the Stones to the Yardbird - and everyone they influenced as a result.
I enjoyed it.
3/10 Giro di Blues, Virtuosismi su armonica e ritmicità verbali usati ad nauseam. Insopportabile.
8 / 10 Blues en vivo, parece increíble que sea del año 1960, se escuchan claramente sonidos que influirán en todo lo que estaba por venir en esos años. Muy al estilo del directo de B.B.King.
great
1. brand - 1.5 2. hoochie coochie - 1.5 3. dont go - 1 4. forgotten - 1.5 5. tiger - 1 6. good - 1.5 7. mojo - 2 8. mojo 2 - 1.5 9. bluez - 2 10. brand - 1.5 11. forgotten - 1 12. tiger - 1.5 13. meanezt - 1.5
Recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival, At Newport 1960 captures the blues legend in a live setting where his talent is undeniable. Muddy's gritty vocals and guitar work are impressive, but the performance can feel a bit repetitive. The songs tend to blend into one another, making it difficult to distinguish when one track ends and another begins. While the band's musicianship is strong, the set lacks dynamic shifts that might keep listeners on their toes. Despite these issues, the album remains an important document of Muddy Waters' live performances. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Tiger in Your Tank
I'd really have to be in a certain mood to listen to this. Not a big fan of blues, and it's just too slow for me.
I love jazz! Favourite track: Soon Forgotten.
I recognize he’s very talented but this just isn’t my favorite genre of music
I like Muddy fine enough (the Rolling Stones took their name from one of his songs), but this was just so-so. A lot sounded the same. The bonus 4 studio tracks were decent enough.
This was fine
Significant Chicago blues artist post war. Great album with heaps of soul
Solid live blues from an all time important artist
Classic blues album. Absolutely slaps
✅✅This is cool. Clearly foundational to the blues, and the guitar times are iconic. The harmonica player is really good, as well. Blues doesn't generally draw me in too deeply, but I'm glad to know this.
Excelente, toda la onda
Tem coisas que só são possíveis em álbuns ao vivo. Muddy Waters toca duas vezes a mesma música a pedido do público e conseguimos ter duas experiências diferentes, sendo a segunda mais curta e com a plateia já aquecida. Álbum de blues primordial. Bem cru e direto, com ótimas musicas e bem performado.
4 classic blues
Hell yeah!
Really cool to hear the origins of that sound - but listening felt a little more like archeology than genuine enjoyment
Ain't got no belt
Brilliant live album, love hearing the crowd get crazier as it goes on.
Think I first listened to this years ago. Probably liked it then but I definitely appreciated it more now. Great stuff.
An essential blues album with great performances of some classic sounds. Muddy Waters influenced so many musicians I admire
I Feel So Good after listening to this. Got My Mojo Working now.
Sorry Muddy, jag gillar inte blues. Å särskilt inte live.
Amazing to think this was recorded in 1960. Couple of belters and high energy tunes but I'm knocking points off for Muddy dialing it in on some tracks, like 'Soon Forgotten'.
Incredible
I dig this. Very blues-y early rock. 4/5
I thought I would like it much more. I wanted to be a “blues guy” but it just never hit for me the way it fires for others.
Gritty, emotional, bluesy stuff. A little repetitive at times, but then blues isn't exactly a genre known for being prolific in that regard (without introducing a blend of other genres to the mix). Muddy Waters does the genre justice with his gnarly blues wail, and though none of his big hits are present, the album does just fine without them. Love the live setting, too. It's fun to hear how laid-back gigs could be in 1960. Waters, by this time a pretty big face on the musical world stage, ends each piece with an offhand "Thank ya." before introducing the next piece and getting right back into the music – often in 10 seconds or less. It's great pacing and the audience experience must've been fantastic. Love the piano playing too. Other than the singing, this was a highlight. 4/5 Key tracks: I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man, Goodbye Newport Blues, Got My Mojo Working
The sound/production quality on this album is much better than other live albums I've had on my list, but I'd still rather listen to a studio version. That being said - great energy and great tracks!
Muddy is a master at his craft. Such a great blues album. 4/5 Will listen again
A good blues album. Not my favorite genre, but still good.
Good blues album if a bit repetitive.
i mean… it’s alright
God I fucking love the blues
Great listen
This was fine. I'm happy there is Blues on the list because it is such a huge and impactful genre, but I don't know how important this specific album is. Best Songs: Baby, Please Don't Go, Tiger In Your Tank, I Feel So Good, I've Got My Mojo Working Worst Songs: I Got My Brand On You, I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
I can see how this is influential. But im sorry a lot of it sounds so similar or the same
Perfectly good. Some nice tunes, though not my cup of tea.
Classic Blues album with authentic live feeling.
Muddy is a legend, though I’m still grappling with including live recordings on this project. This one at lease is worthy of review as an individual piece of art. 4/5
Solid blues album, don't care much for the live albums though
progenitor
#33 - I can hear where The Doors (a revelation from this project) we're coming from! Nice album
Great live blues from a master.
It’s good. Not listened to much if at all any blues but I’m enjoying it. Simple beats with some wacky pianos. Love me some ragtime. Good album. Nothing really stuck out to me but fav has to be baby pleas don’t go, a classic blues/country/rock n roll sounding name. 7/10
Me ha aturdido un poco 3. Blues.
Annoying that the songs repeat on the album. Good music
Mmmmmmm ÄLSKAR blues men är jävligt ambivalent till Live albums. Saknar tiden då grabbar djurade på munspel.
alltså nice men inte så jättemycket mer Bästa låt: i put in your tank wow texten😔
Inte lika bra som jag trodde det skulle va, men inte dåligt
I kinda like it. I like blues a little more now.
Just a bunch a blues. I appreciate listening to music that was the foundation of a genre but I'm not sure how often I'll return.
Muddy Waters is the Blues. Lots of classics here. That harp player is serious! Liked songs added: - I Feel So Good
before listening i had never thought of the harmonica as a sexual instrument . now however....
Lovely album for a nice long drive up the coast
Live albums really don’t do it for me. I would rather be there. And a lot of these sound so similar. I get it but I don’t at the same time
nicht meins aber ich erkenne an dass es wichtig ist..
Surprisingly, a live album where we didn't mind that it was live and the elements that made it so were to its credit. The blues is just a very reliable genre, and one that always gets us dancing.
5/5. Excellent concert would have loved to be there.
Very good album all the classics and more top Blues
Lindo blues clásico
Classic live album, nice tunes and felt guitars. I can see this was an inspiration to many, such as Jack White.
Fun but funky
Pretty good, although I'm not a blues fan
Relaxed, foot tappy and fun. Transported back to a music club in the 60s. Or sela bar on a good night. Enjoyed the liveness of it and range of instruments
One of the best live albums I've ever heard. You've got Muddy, who is obviously a legend, but you also have Otis Spann and James Cotton, who might not be household names, but are two of the best ever to do what they do. Four stars only because there are better studio albums (and I prefer studio albums over live albums any day of the week).
Clear waters
About expected. Good blues album. Another one that would be good for the right time and place.
solid blues album.
3 1/2 Bluesia isolla beellä, ei kantrin vatkausta, eikä muusia.
Мне просто не нравится такая музыка. Лучшая песня - Goodbye Newport Blues.
Wanna listen again
What a show this must've been. The band is great. 1960! Album is fantastic. Had me moving sided to side and smiling.
I like the blues a lot, I'm a sucker for harmonica. I listened to more muddy waters after this and liked some other albums more (getting hard or something)
Instant classic. Can't believe I never heard this before today. The band starts out a little tentative and quiet but they get their mojo working soon enough and you can practically hear the Newport crowd's minds melt.
What a great live album and recording! I know it's kind of a greatest hits album in some ways, but it's still a fun listen, and I'm really impressed at the quality of the live recording. (And thankful that his set even happened, given that the concert was more or less cancelled due to the previous day's violence and police response.)
love love love I am so unworthy of Muddy Waters.
Wonderful vibe, kicked back with the window open and this album hit the spot. Could only be improved by a porch swing and lemonade. Not complicated or over produced, just good tunes and a mellow voice.
really enjoyed this :D
better than i was expecting for 1960, very repetitive but i can also see how stuff i like from the doors could be influenced by this. low 7/10
Starts slow but builds up - Tiger in your Tank and I've Got My Mojo Working are definitely the highlights.
I accidentally listened to almost all of this album on shuffle and I was thinking to myself, “this is a really stilted live performance, the edits are terrible…and why are there studio versions of the songs interspersed with the live versions?” Turns out I’m just not very smart.
Base sólida e fundação do blues. Influenciou muita coisa do que gosto e escuto. Sobre o show em si e a razão de ter sido indicado esse álbum específico, ao vivo, desconheço, e acredito que preferiria um album de estúdio.
Loved listening to this.. I only wish I was listening to it live in a dive bar in Memphis.
Country no
Jeg lå på en 4'er det meste af albummet, for jeg synes energien var god, hans stemme er fantastisk, optagelsen var virkelig god i forhold til hvor gammel den er, og sangene var helt fine. Men så kom Got My Mojo Working, kæmpe banger, og den kom over målstregen til en 5'er. Solidt sommeralbum
god blooze!
Altid godt at vide hvem der skrev Hoochie Coochie man! God live optagelse (af sin tid?)
Live. Very talented. Foundation of blues in America? I knew a couple of the songs.
I appreciate it, I'd enjoy it in the background in a dive bar but I'm not going to sit and listen to it in my spare time - 2.5/5
Wow this guy was influential to many artists who followed him. Theres too much Mojo here. you will see what i mean......
Após ouvir tanto Rap esta foi uma mudança muito agradável. O Monsieur Muddy tinha cantigas cativantes, com um instrumental cativante e uma agradável voz. As versões ao vivo estão bastante bem gravadas e os anúncios das músicas pelo Muddy dão uma familiaridade ao álbum. Para além das versões ao vivo, algumas musicas voltam a aparecer gravadas no estúdio no mesmo álbum. Gostei muito e fiquei surpreso pela positiva. Nota: 7,5/10 26/05/2024
Not for me
Fun
This was ok. I had quite high hopes. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood but it didn’t really ignite anything for me. If I wasn’t a 40 year old dad who starts to fall asleep after 9pm and hasn’t been on a ‘late night session’ in living memory, id be tempted to say that this would be a perfect post-pub record to listen to into the early hours of the morning while my heads spinning from drinking too much whiskey. Unfortunately, 10am on a Wednesday with a ton of work to do - it didn’t really resonate with me that well. Very pleased to have listened to it though. 3.1
Favorite Tracks: I’ve Got My Mojo Working I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Can’t say this held my attention, but it made very pleasant background music
Really vibed to this. Lovely stuff. Simpsons: Yes
Alright background music, nice vibe.
it was nice and pleasant to listen to
I wanted to like it more. It was good but not amazing, maybe it’s just not aged well for me
This really filled in a blind spot in my cultural knowledge, and it was a joy to listen to.
Interesting choice for a Muddy Waters album but his voice and style are such unique aspects of old classic blues.
Its a good set but rather subdued for his live stuff thats out there.
Pleasant enough, but a bit slow for my liking. Most songs also sounded repetitive 3 ⭐️
Great and classic blues album. I understand the selection as his studio albums do not capture his drive and rage during live performances.
Pretty good!
This was fine. Good energy but not that interesting to me.
Thanks for being my Hoochie Coochie Man
Favourite song - I feel so good
Not something I would normally listen to, but really enjoyed this live album.
solid entry
Good stuff
Very good bluesy music.
Classic blues, works like a charm
Such a good album
Forgettable, no real hits or earcatchers. Probably very good for its time, but not a regular listen for me
Sounds really good for a live album from 1960. It’s also interesting hearing so many sounds and ideas I tend to associate with “blues” from something this early. Good album.
"I feel like Mick and Richards, I feel like Muddy Waters". All I could think about during "Tiger In Your Tank" was playing this song while pouring sugar into someone's gas tank. These old albums are good but super repetitive tbh.
The previous Muddy Waters album that came up on this list was "Hard Again" - which was a comparatively modern blues album with a thick sounding, rock band approach. This, being a bit earlier and recorded live, sounds more "authentic" and natural. I do like the previous album , but this more what I think of when I think of the blues. It's got some songs that are standards... yeah, everything's all good here. Does what it says on the tin.
Loved this!
Repetitive and definitely for the time. This is one of those times where the 64 year time difference since the album was originally released certainly shows! The incessant mouth organ in the back ground of every song, in the exact same key is almost borderline torture.
Right off the bat, I was worried that this might be the dullest thing I've ever heard. Don't get me wrong, it's still really boring, but perhaps not the most boring thing ever. At around 'Tiger In Your Tank' things start to get going for a couple of songs, but then someone had an aneurism and chose to play 'Got My Mojo Working' twice. Couple that with a snooze of a closer, and this is yet another disappointing encounter with the blues.
Muddy Waters plays a mean blues (probably), but if he wants to change my opinion on blues being repetitive and rather boring, he shouldn’t play “Got My Mojo Working” twice in a row.
I complained about his 80s comebacks lack of energy, and this is why. A low tempo album, but one full of life and vitality, and tunes too!
Muddy Waters is brilliant, no doubt about that ! Blues is a genre with which I have a difficult relationship, for I get bored very fast. Fortunately the album was not too long, and Muddy really captures happiness, joy, and simplicity in this live recording. Great experience still, though not my cup of tea ;)
Simply amazing. A bit repetitive but Muddy Waters is brilliant.
Muddy sure as hell has his mojo working! The harp player is fire. The guitars could be mixed up a bit. I generally like my blues with a bit more space, fair to say the drumming really fills the space, heavily jazz.
Blues.... It's all so samey... Might be because I'm Illiterate in the genre. Nice that it picks up the pace towards the end
Ye old worldly guitar. So many attribute so much to this musician. I appreciate it's simplicity.
Man this fella could SING and play the BLUES
i hear the blues a'calling...
There has not been a lot of blues on this list... Great album, love how loose and free the band is. 4.5 🌟
would rate it 6 if i could!
For this review, I'm sticking to the original track listing and not counting the bonus tracks from the 2001 remastered version. I'm already familiar with Muddy Waters as a blues legend, with this being a hallmark performance of his at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960. This is peak Chicago-style blues for those who are into the classics, complete with an upbeat performance by Muddy and his live band. There's a reason why this album has been cited for developing the hard rock sound. Check it out.
I'm sure this is historically important, but at the end of the day, it's a blues album. Not really my groove, but not bad.
# Playlist track - Baby, Please Don't Go # Notes - Amazing blues. Hard to overstate his influence.
semi banger
The voice of God, the direct attack on every instrument – this is s strong, substantive, legit classic blues.
Easy background listening. I know that’s probably blasphemous to all music to say that about THE founding father of modern music. But, with the passing of time and shifting of mindsets, this just doesn’t resonate with me in any way. I enjoyed my time spent with it, I acknowledge the tremendous influence Muddy Waters had on all the rock n roll I’ve loved in my life, and that’s that. I don’t care for live albums, but I do respect this one.
Loved it! 5/5
This seems like a really good blues album. Although I'm not very knowledgeable in blues music, this one just has a nice vibe to it that I like. The live recording is nice, I like hearing the crowds reactions to his music back in the day.